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formal

[fawr-muhl] / ˈfɔr məl /
ADJECTIVE
established, orderly
Synonyms
STRONGEST
academic ceremonial explicit legal precise proper solemn strict
STRONG
express official regular ritual set
WEAK
approved ceremonialistic ceremonious confirmed conventional decorous directed fixed formalistic lawful methodical prescribed pro forma punctilious rigid ritualistic stately stereotyped stereotypical systematic
Antonyms
STRONGEST
ambiguous inaccurate indefinite ordinary
WEAK
customary disorderly informal normal relaxed unaffected
ADJECTIVE
stiff, affected, correct
Synonyms
STRONGEST
polite precise
STRONG
nominal
WEAK
aloof by the numbers ceremonious conventional decorous distant exact playing the game prim punctilious reserved seemly sententious starched stilted straight arrow stuffy unbending
Antonyms
WEAK
customary disorderly informal normal relaxed unaffected

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

To better understand this problem, the researchers built a formal framework that examines how different assumptions affect conclusions about entropy and memory.

From Science Daily • May 3, 2026

The surrounding area is modest but neatly kept, reflecting the rhythms of a fishing community rather than a formal heritage site.

From BBC • May 2, 2026

Executives from OpenAI have spoken with stock exchange officials about potential IPO plans, according to people familiar with the matter, but haven’t yet kicked off a formal process.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 2, 2026

Chief Financial Officer Kevan Parekh said on the earnings call Thursday night that Apple will no longer provide net cash neutral as a formal target, and will instead independently evaluate cash and debt.

From Barron's • May 1, 2026

Deutsche Bank had even sent along the formal handouts intended for subprime buyers, as a kind of script for them to follow.

From "The Big Short" by Michael Lewis

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